living in germany

Health and Social Security

If you become ill, you should go to a general doctor near your home, who will assist you and if necessary, advise if you should visit a specialist.

It is important to know that in Germany, as a general rule, medical insurance covers the costs of medical treatment, hospitalization or medication, except for the part that the patient must assume. For this reason, it is important to be covered by compulsory or private health insurance.

In Germany, most people are insured in the public health insurance funds. Up to a certain level of income this medical insurance is mandatory. If you earn more you can choose between voluntarily insuring yourself in a public health insurance fund or in a private one.

At the pharmacy you will receive the prescribed medications. There you must pay only a minimum part of the costs, maximum 10 euros. The rest is taken over by your health insurance. Medications for children and young people under 18 are free if they are prescribed by a doctor. If you are insured in a private health insurance, you must first pay the price of medical consultations and medications. You can then send the invoices to your medical insurance to reimburse the amount of expenses.

It is important to know that after an accident, in case of emergency or if you feel sick outside the hours of medical attention, you can call the emergency medical service or, in especially urgent cases, directly to the emergency services.The most important telephone numbers nationwide. They are 112Pharmacies also offer night or emergency service. Find current information about it in your local newspaper.

ASSISTANCE IN YOUR MATERNAL LANGUAGEHe still does not speak German very well and wants to go to a doctor who speaks his mother tongue? The association of doctors of the federal state in which you live can give you information about it. You can find the addresses and telephone numbers of these associations on the website www.kbv.de in the Service Arztsuche section

PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL SECRETIn principle, doctors can not give information related to you to third parties without your consent, or to public entities, or your employer, or your family members. This also applies partially to information about your children's health. For example, your 16-year-old daughter's gynecologist can not tell you the test results if your daughter has not authorized it.

Preventive Medical Examinations and Vaccines

Many diseases can be treated with good results if they have been diagnosed early. Preventive medical examinations and early detection for children and adults are very useful for this. Thus, for example, women and men from the age of 35 can get a general medical examination every two years. Additionally, both men and women have the right to have periodic medical exams for the early detection of certain types of cancer. Medical insurance covers the cost of many preventive medical exams. Your doctor can tell you more about it.

Vaccines are one of the most important and effective protection measures. Modern vaccines are very well tolerated and protect against serious diseases. In Germany the application of all vaccines is voluntary, however, it is recommended to apply certain preventive vaccines. The costs are paid by medical insurance.

SANITARY PREVENTION AND CHILD VACCINATIONSince infectious diseases are particularly dangerous for infants and young children. It is recommended that your children receive the first shots at six weeks. Before they were two years old they should have received all the vaccines against the most important diseases.

In Germany, certain vaccines are recommended for infants, children, young adults and adults. These vaccines are grouped in a schedule of vaccines, which is available on the website of the Federal Center for Health Education www.bzga.de

REVIEW OF EARLY DETENTION IN CHILDRENIn Germany, standard screening reviews are carried out on children from birth to school age. These are the pediatric reviews U1 to U9. These periodic exams help diagnose and treat childhood developmental disorders and diseases early. The costs of these reviews are covered by medical insurance. They must be carried out in certain phases of the child's development. Although they are optional, it is important that they be carried out regularly to favor the development of children. Consult your children's pediatrician to obtain a specific appointment for this purpose.

Guidance on HIV Aids and Information on Sexually Transmitted Diseases

There are diseases that can be contracted through sexual contact. For example HIV, hepatitis and syphilis. The use of condoms can protect against contagion.

Currently, in case of infection with HIV it is possible to receive treatment with excellent results. For this reason, it is important to carry out diagnostic tests in a timely manner. In the case of other STDs, the sooner they are diagnosed and treated, the easier and faster the treatment will be.

Inform yourself for free in the counseling centers or give the health delegations and come to make tests, the advice and the test can also be done anonymously.

INFORMATION AND ORIENTATIONAdvice for adultsAdvice for immigrant youthSpecial programs and individualized adviceAttention to the citizen, federal immigration officeInternet as a source of information

RESIDENCE AND NATURALIZATIONOffice for people belonging to the European UnionOffice for people not coming from the European UnionRepatriated GermansRight of residenceTypes of residenceNaturalization

WORK AND PROFESSIONHomologation of titlesProfessional orientation, employment placementJob applicationContinuing professional trainingCreation of a company and work on its own.

Housing LIVING PLACEHousing searchHousing OfficeMoving processState aid social housingRentals and lease law

CHILDREN AND FAMILYPregnancy and protection of motherhoodParental permissionParental benefitSubsidy for childcareFamily benefit for dependent childOptions for child careDispute and crisis family violence

HEALTH AND PRECAUTIONCare in case of illness or accidentCare in your mother tongueMedical secretPreventive medical exams and vaccinesHealth prevention and childhood vaccinationSexually transmitted diseases assistanceAssistance in case of addictions and drug useAssistance for disabled people

INSURANCE AND BANKSFinancial transactionscreditsMandatory social securityPension insuranceHealth insuranceDependency insuranceAccident insuranceUnemployment insuranceInsurance for people and goods​

Assistance in the event of Addictions and Drug Use

Drugs, alcohol, nicotine, medicines, gambling, food, Internet and consumption, many things can cause addiction. Any addiction is a serious illness. Addicts and their families need guidance and professional help. In such cases, it is advisable to go to a doctor or an advice center. The sooner you start treating an addiction, the greater the chances of healing. Many organizations and self-help groups also offer quick and anonymous help.

Participation of Persons with Disabilities

The German State encourages participation in the social life of people with physical, mental or mental disabilities in equal conditions. People with a serious disability enjoy special protection in working and professional life, for example, in relation to dismissal.